Wearsiders have been full of Christmas spirit as the festive season draws near.

Generous acts of gift-giving towards those less fortunate have taken place across Sunderland in recent days.

Sunderland City Juniors Under 8's give out toys

SOPHIE BROWNSON has spoken to those who have collected presents to donate...

Youngsters from Sunderland City Juniors football club helped to spread festive cheer when they gave out gifts to children in the city this Christmas.

Two of Sunderland City Juniors Under 8s teams held a toy appeal earlier this month to donate gifts to the city’s Austin House Children’s Centre, who work with the Salvation Army to help less fortunate families.

The club’s Under 9s team also got involved holding a toy appeal to donate gifts to sick children who will be spending Christmas at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The team gave out 86 gifts to the children on the wards and left another 100 to give to children who come into hospital over the festive period.

Joanne Campbell from Sunderland City Juniors said: “I’m really proud of what the teams have achieved and how much they have managed to help make a difference in the local community.”

Coach Kristen Whitfield said the day was brilliant and the team plan on doing it again next year.

“It was fantastic and all the children loved it,” she said. “We gave presents to all the children on the ward and had around 100 extra to give out over Christmas. It was really emotional for the adults as well as the kids, as they were all so grateful.”